Laura Rubin, Executive Director, x606,
Laura oversees HRWC’s programs, administration, and fundraising. She also serves as spokesperson on local, regional, and state committees and boards and works with the Board of Directors to set goals and policies for the organization to meet strategic plans. Laura received a 2013 River Hero Award from River Network for her leadership and the accomplishments of staff, board, members, and volunteers. She earned a joint Masters in Business Administration and Science (Natural Resource Policy) at the University of Michigan. She joined HRWC in 1998 and lives in the Allens Creekshed.

Anita Daley, Marketing Specialist, x603, Anita supports our programs by managing the outreach components several projects. She is a nature lover who has been working in the environmental nonprofit sector for 20 years with an emphasis on marketing and communications to grow awareness and change behavior. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a minor in Business Administration from Boston University. She joined HRWC in 2015 and lives in the Malletts Creekshed.

Rebecca Esselman, Watershed Planner, x611, Rebecca leads HRWC’s work in climate adaptation and water conservation. Prior to joining HRWC, Rebecca spent ten years with the Nature Conservancy working in conservation planning and knowledge sharing. Rebecca holds a Master of Science in Conservation Ecology from the University of Georgia where she focused on watershed issues and a Bachelor of Science in Botany from Michigan State University. She joined HRWC in 2012 and lives near the Huron River in Dexter.

Rebecca Foster, Development Associate, x610, Rebecca is responsible for membership support and special events. Rebecca recently completed eight years as Village President for the Village of Pinckney and brings prior experience in development and public relations. Rebecca holds a Master of Science degree in Art Education from Penn State and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Lycoming College. She joined HRWC in 2012 and resides in the Honey Creekshed (Livingston).

Jason Frenzel, Stewardship Coordinator, x600, Jason facilitates current and potential watershed stewards. Previously, he worked with the City of Ann Arbor’s Natural Area Preservation program for 10 years as its Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. Jason holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in “facilitating tree hugging.” He joined HRWC in 2011 and lives in the Traver Creekshed.

Jennifer Kangas, Operations Director, x604, Jennifer manages HRWC financial affairs and operations. She brings more than 18 years of experience as a commercial lender. She also formed and spent seven years operating an organic vegetable farm. Jennifer has served on various boards in various capacities including Treasurer. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration at Iowa State University. She lives in the Honey Creekshed (Washtenaw).

Stevi Kosloskey, Watershed Planning Assistant, x613, Stevi coordinates the Water Quality Monitoring Program and assists in the watershed management planning process gathering field data and conducting research. Her lifelong commitment to the environment led her to earn an Associate Degree in Environmental Studies from Schoolcraft College. Stevi also holds a Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University. She joined HRWC in 2014 and lives in the Pettibone Creekshed.

Pam Labadie, Marketing Director, x602, Pam provides marketing support to several programs and coordinates overall marketing efforts. She has 15 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sales. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and her Juris Doctorate from the Michigan State University College of Law. Her commitment to protecting the watershed comes out of her childhood in Michigan spent boating, swimming, and fishing. She joined HRWC in 2007 and lives near the Huron River in Ann Arbor.

Ric Lawson, Watershed Planner, x609, Ric is primarily responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of several watershed management plans in the upper, middle and lower sections of the watershed. He also runs the Water Quality Monitoring Program, and is facilitating Green Infrastructure planning for stormwater. Ric earned joint Masters Degrees in Environmental Management and Public Policy at Duke University. He joined HRWC in 2006 and lives in the Allens Creekshed.

Kris Olsson, Watershed Ecologist, x607, Kris specializes in GIS analysis, landscape ecology, and code and ordinance development. Kris earned two Masters of Science (resource ecology, natural resource policy) degrees at the University of Michigan. She joined HRWC in 1992 and lives in the Traver Creekshed.

Elizabeth Riggs, Deputy Director, x608, Elizabeth manages RiverUp!, the Huron River placemaking initiative that includes the Huron River Water Trail. She supports the Executive Director and staff with program development through developing strategic partnerships, securing funding, and engaging staff in organizational planning. Elizabeth earned her Master of Science in Natural Resource Policy & Management at the University of Michigan, and her Bachelor of Arts from Lawrence University in Wisconsin. She joined HRWC in 1999 and lives in the Malletts Creekshed.

Margaret Smith, Development Director,x605 Margaret joined HRWC in 2007, and has been a non-profit fundraiser for 30 years. She assists HRWC in fulfilling their mission by elevating development office procedures through best practices and donor-centric values. She identifies funding sources, manages special events and donor relations. Since joining HRWC she has established a planned giving program, an annual campaign, and a major donor campaign. Margaret earned a Bachelor of Theatre Arts from Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY, and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Ann Arbor Network of Development Professionals. She lives in the Allens Creekshed.

Paul Steen, Watershed Ecologist, x601, Paul analyzes and reports on the data collected by our Adopt-A-Stream volunteers and provides scientific and educational support to several HRWC programs. He is the program manager of the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps), a state-wide program focused on volunteer monitoring in lakes and streams. Paul earned his Master of Science and Ph. D. from the School of Natural Resources, University of Michigan, where he focused on landscape ecology, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and fish community ecology. He joined HRWC in 2008 and lives in the Horseshoe Creekshed.